Choosing the wrong material can ruin performance and durability. The right materials define the power, control, and lifespan of a padel racket.

Carbon fiber¹, EVA foam², and tempered glass³ are the most used materials in padel rackets and courts due to their durability and performance.

Let’s explore which materials are truly best—and why they matter so much in padel manufacturing.

What material is best for padel rackets?

Many rackets look alike, but the material inside them makes all the difference in performance and value.

Carbon fiber is the best material for padel rackets due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and durability.

H3: Understanding Core and Surface Materials

As a manufacturer at NEX Padel, I’ve tested many combinations. The two key material zones in a racket are:

Part of Racket	Common Materials	Why It Matters
Frame/Surface	Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass	Affects control, power, and lifespan
Core	EVA Foam, Polyethylene	Influences feel, shock absorption

Carbon fiber offers the best balance of stiffness and lightweight performance. It provides explosive shots while maintaining control. Fiberglass is cheaper but offers less precision and durability.

H3: Carbon Variations

There are also different grades of carbon used:

• 3K Carbon: More flexible, better for control.
• 12K Carbon: Stiffer, gives more power.
• 18K+ Carbon: Lightweight, premium performance, higher cost.

We often recommend 12K carbon for intermediate players who want both power and durability.

What is the best material for a padel court?

Even a world-class racket won’t matter if the court isn’t built from proper materials. Court quality affects safety and gameplay.

Tempered glass, artificial turf⁴, and galvanized steel⁵ are the best materials for padel courts.

H3: Padel Court Material Components

When we help partners build or refurbish courts, here are the materials we recommend:

Court Component	Best Material	Benefits
Side Walls	Tempered Glass (10-12mm)	Strong, transparent, allows ball bounce
Frame Structure	Galvanized Steel	Weather-resistant, durable
Floor Surface	Synthetic Turf	Ideal ball bounce, player comfort
Net Post	Powder-coated Steel	Resists corrosion

Tempered glass provides not just visibility but also consistent rebound, which is key to padel’s unique style of play.

H3: Environmental Considerations

Materials should match the installation location. For example:

• Outdoor courts need UV-resistant turf and corrosion-proof metals.
• Indoor courts focus more on acoustics and moisture resistance.

We help clients choose the right specs based on their region’s climate.

What material is used for padel tennis rackets?

Confusion is common between “padel rackets” and “tennis rackets,” but their materials differ greatly due to sport dynamics.

Padel rackets are made from carbon fiber or fiberglass with an EVA foam core for better control and shock absorption.

H3: Key Material Differences from Tennis

Feature	Padel Racket	Tennis Racket
Frame Material	Carbon/Fiberglass	Graphite/Aluminum
Core	EVA or PE Foam	Hollow (no foam core)
Strings	No strings (solid face)	String bed for ball impact

Padel rackets are more compact, solid, and require materials that provide shock dampening—especially at the amateur level.

At NEX Padel, we’ve found that EVA foam maintains its structure longer than polyethylene, especially under high-impact conditions.

H3: Why Material Choice Affects Skill Development

Beginners often benefit from softer foam cores, while pros prefer stiffer cores and harder face materials like 12K or 18K carbon. These allow for better precision and spin.

What makes a good padel racket?

Not every high-priced racket performs well. What really matters is how the material fits the player’s needs.

A good padel racket balances weight, material quality, and shape to match the player’s style and skill level.

H3: Key Characteristics of a Quality Racket

Feature	Optimal Material Choice	Why It Matters
Weight (350–375g)	Carbon fiber frame	Balance between maneuverability & power
Core Density	EVA Soft or Medium	Better control and shock absorption
Surface Texture	Rough carbon/fiberglass mix	Helps with spin
Frame Shape	Teardrop or diamond	Affects balance and power distribution

At NEX Padel, we design rackets with clear player profiles in mind. A control-focused player may prefer a round shape with soft EVA, while an aggressive player might go for a diamond shape with 18K carbon.

H3: Testing and Feedback Loop

We run continuous feedback loops with clubs and retailers to adjust materials based on playtest data. For example, players in humid regions may prefer fiberglass mix surfaces to prevent slippage, while dry-region players want raw carbon for more grip.

Conclusion

The best padel gear starts with smart material choices—carbon, EVA, glass, and steel—designed for real performance and long-term value.